I watched too, she said, and went to the door, scanning the yard the way he did. For most of the morning, they worked without speaking. She helped gather kindling, ground some of the new flour for bread and swept the porch until the boards were clear of dust. Cole stayed near the corral, repairing a loose rail and keeping an ear out for anything moving along the tree line. By midday, the sky had darkened enough that Cole decided they'd better bring everything in undercover.
Nia helped him carry tools to the shed. Her hands dirty, but steady. "You're not scared?" she asked quietly as they stacked the last of the firewood near the cabin. "Scared enough," Cole said. "Just don't let it make me stupid." She was quiet a moment, then said, "You stand there with your rifle.
You didn't shake." Cole paused, leaning against the doorframe. I shook plenty on the inside, he admitted that made her look at him differently, softer, almost relieved to know he wasn't made of stone. The rain started just before dark, light at first and then steady. They stayed inside, the sound of water on the roof filling the room. Nia sat on the cot, brushing her wet hair with her fingers.
Cole sat at the table, carving a new handle for the shovel with his knife. After a long time, Nia said, "You fought for me." Cole didn't look up. "You didn't need to see them take another thing from you." She was silent. And when he finally glanced at her, her eyes were shiny in the fire light. "You could have sent me away," she said.
"I told you before," Cole said. "I don't leave folks to fend for themselves." Nia stood slowly and crossed the room. She stopped just in front of him, close enough that he could smell the smoke in her hair. You still look away," she said quietly. Cole set the knife down and met her eyes, trying to do right by you.
Nia didn't speak. She just reached down, took his rough hand and hers and placed it against her shoulder where the rope burn had been. The skin was healing, but still marked. Cole's breath came slow. "You sure?" She nodded once.
He didn't rush. He stood still holding her hand and brushed back a strand of her hair that had fallen forward. When he touched her cheek, she didn't flinch. "You're safe here," he said softly. "I know," she whispered.
When he kissed her, it wasn't hard or hurried, just careful, almost testing. She leaned into it, one hand clutching his shirt like she was anchoring herself there. When they finally pulled apart, she stayed close, resting her forehead against his chest. Cole wrapped an arm around her shoulders, holding her still. Neither of them said much after that.